What is unique about  Mysterious Galaxy bookstore is not just their name or the genre of books they sell, which includes sci-fi, mystery, fantasy and horror, but what makes them stand out as a independent book store is their passion, and dedication to not only books but to the community. Mysterious Galaxy first started in San Diego, with Co-owners Jeff Mariotee,  Maryelizabeth Hart and Terry Gillman. After Gillman moved to the south bay and experienced some nostalgia from the San Diego store she decided to start up a second store in her new home. She first started hosting  luncheons with 40 to 50 women who would receive lunch and a signed first edition book as part of the event. At every luncheon partial proceeds would go to a specific non profit organization such as Pen in the Classroom. Eventually these luncheons led to the opening of Mysterious Galaxy’s second location in Redondo Beach.  The store started with a soft opening in September followed by a grand opening in October. During the first month of their opening, their goal was to have 30 authors for  book signings in 30 days. The store surpassed their goal by having over 30 authors in 30 days.  These book signings are a monthly event and are free to everyone.

Two months ago Mysterious Galaxy participated in an event called World Book Night. A night where book lovers all around the world were given a chance to give away free copies of some of their favorite books, from a preselected list. The books are then give to readers who may not have access to books.  “It’s basically  a chance for people who love books to go out and share that love,” says Leanna Herrera Marketing and Events Manager for the Redondo Beach store.  “It’s intended for people who don’t really read for you to go out and share that book with them. “  Residents from all over the south bay, picked up boxes of books to give to hospital patients,  homes for women in recovering, Ronald McDonald house charity, schools and places where people can be impacted by the stories in books. But in order for the staff of Mysterious Galaxy to be able to make connections within the community, they first make connections with the books in the store

The staff at Mysterious Galaxy not only makes it their job to  read many of the books in the store but they also  have discussions during staff meetings. And when customers come into the store, looking for a particular book, by having a short conversation and maybe answering a few questions the staff can customers the right book. “It’s a personal opinion, you have to connect with someone for them to recommend something to you. They have to know you a little.  “  say Leanna Herrera, Marketing and Events Manager of Mysterious Galaxy Redondo Beach.  “ We are all avid readers, you start a conversation with us about a book and it’s hard to shut us up.”

Mysterious Galaxy is dedicated  to putting books  in the hands of readers and non readers alike. They continue to grow as an independent bookstore from their connection and commitment to the south bay community. In fact, it has been show that independent stores give 40% more back into their community then big box stores.  As Leann Herrera stated“ If you give somebody the right book you’re going to turn them into a reader for the rest of their life.”  And this is what the store plans on doing.

Here is a list of some upcoming events. Check out www.mystgalaxy.com for more details 

June 26th

New Books on Sale  10:00 am

Todd McCaffrey Launch Party for SKY DRAGONS in Redondo Beach 7:30  -8:30 pm

June 27th

Joseph Kanon signs in Redondo Beach   7:30 – 8:30 pm

June 28th 

Leigh Bardugo Signs in Redondo Beach  7:30  -8:30 pm

June 30th 

David Brin Signs in Redondo Beach 2:30 pm

Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore: Redondo Beach

2810 Artesia Blvd.

Redondo Beach, CA 90278

Tel: 310.542.6000

Redondo beach boardwalk is a pathway for bikers, walkers and joggers alike. A starting point to a trail touring the south bay beaches , that  gives visitors a tour of Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Dockweilder and even Venice. Located just off of Pacific Coast Highway, one can find an array of things that Redondo beach has to offer, especially during the summer. During the day the hot sad is covered in footprints  from families, volleyball players, and friends all enjoying the ocean breeze and sun.  At night the beach is calmer, but not completely deserted. There are fewer footprints amongst the sand left over by those from the day, and a few new prints from couples who like to layout and gaze at the twilight sky. If you are on the boardwalk , night runners randomly pass by and the night lights of bikers gleam across the path.  As calm as most nights are, nights at the beach can get busy especially during Grunion Run. This is when young adults, older adults, teens and families wait along the shore to see hundreds of grunions spawn up from the sand. Many people even try to catch the Grunions with their bare hands. Definitely an alternative to fishing with a pole. At the end of the board walk, signs read, please “ Please walk you bike beyond this point” marking the entrance to the pier.

Redondo beach pier, is a musical attractions. With popular venues such as the Brixton, the Dive, New Starboard Attitude and Breakwall Surf Bbq that host live bands through the week and the weekend, to music on the pier during the summer. And since 1952 the pier has been serving good food with the opening of Tony’s on the Pier. And since then the pier as expanded to restaurants such as El Torito Four Kitchens, Kincaids Fish, Chop and Steakhouse and Maison Ritz. And if you aren’t interested in the deserts at the restaurant your can walk around the pier and visit some of the many ice cream, frozen yogurt and churro shops. And for those who want some fresh seafood but aren’t in the mood for a restaurant atmosphere, they can always join the fisherman fishing right off of the pier, or choose  a crab to take home from on the pier seafood vendors.

http://LosAngelesSouthBay.com

Summer/Fall Schedule – June 01, 2010 – December 31, 2010

Daily

• 10:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. -One song plays every 30 minutes with periodic mini-shooter activity.
• 12:00 Noon. to 1:00 P.M. – Noon show – One song plays every 10 minutes.
• 8:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. – One song plays every 10 minutes.
• 10:00 P.M. – Fountain closed.

Note: Shows may be interrupted due to fountain maintenance.

Free one-hour parking is available at the Los Angeles Cruise Ship Promenade parking lot located just past the Catalina Express Terminal gate.

The Waterfront Red Car Line operates from 12 p.m. (noon) to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Fanfare at San Pedro Gateway Facts

• The water feature (fountain) has 58 total nozzles
•  MiniShoters® that have water streams 100 feet high
• 18 Oarsmen® that have water streams 70 feet high
• The main feature (fountain) is 250 feet long and 100 feet wide, which is 3/4 of an acre. This is the largest water feature in the state of California.
• 400,000 gallons of recycling water fill the feature, which is potable and safe for people, birds, and other animals.
• The main fountains are synchronized to music and lights to create beautiful water shows for viewers.
• The fountain is obliquely bisected by a 12-foot walkway that sits 12 inches below the basin level of the fountain.
• A black granite edge creates a waterfall over the basin ledge and into a trough flowing under the walkway, giving visitors an unforgettable experince of walking through water.
• Cost for the main fountain, reflection pool and children’s fountain was approximately $14 million. As a self supporting and non-taxpayer supported department of the City of Los, expenditures for the fountains are from the Port’s revenue fund.

Flickr Photo From Nemo's Great Uncle

Photo by MikeBaird http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikebaird/

The largest animal on the planet is off Long Beach, CA. The Aquarium of the Pacific and Harbor Breeze Cruises invite the public to set sail for the chance to see and hear endangered blue whales. The nonprofit Aquarium now features a new whale-listening device onboard, becoming one of the few places in the world where the public can listen to the blue whales and dolphins they see.

“A female blue whale in Hawaii can hear the song of a male calling from California. Now visitors will have the chance to listen in on this phenomenon,” said Michele Sousa, Aquarium of the Pacific senior mammal expert. Through the Blue Whale combo ticket, the public can embark on the new whale watch and also visit the Aquarium to explore its newest exhibit about whale communication.

Inside the Aquarium, guests can learn more about the largest whale and now also about the smallest and most critically endangered. The Aquarium recently unveiled a new vaquita whale kiosk featuring conservation educational materials and rare footage of this elusive animal found only in Mexico’s Gulf of California. It is part of the Aquarium’s award-winning Whales: Voices in the Sea exhibit. The update was made possible by the Pacific Life Foundation, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, and the NOAA Fisheries Service and was developed by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography with the Aquarium of the Pacific and Cortina Productions.

Guests can now explore this bilingual English-Spanish kiosk exhibit at the Aquarium to learn more about various whale species and discover the new blue whale-listening device onboard the boat. “Through these trips and the exhibit, we hope to connect the public to whales like never before and to inspire them to help protect our ocean,” said Sousa. The public can visit the Aquarium of the Pacific and embark on Harbor Breeze Cruises for a three and a half hour whale watch excursion with Aquarium experts daily at 11:30 a.m. & 3:00 p.m.

Excursions take place onboard a specialized whale watching, high-speed catamaran docked next to the Aquarium. The Blue Whale & Sea Life Cruise combo ticket is available for purchase on-site at Aquarium of the Pacific and may be purchased in advance by calling 562-590-3100. Prices are $62.95 adult 12+, $54.95 senior 62+, and $38.95 child (includes whale watch & Aquarium admission). For more information, click here.

The Lighthouse Deli & Cafe in San Pedro, CA offers a nice variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner food at a reasonable price.

A San Pedro favorite for over 27 years and located near the corner of 39th and Pacific, this restaurant is more cafe then deli. I had a Mexican Machaca Omelette and Sara had a Jimbo Special (Turkey melt sandwich).  Both were super tasty but be sure to ask about the specials menu before you order. Sara had a craving for a Crab Omelette for the rest of the day when she saw the specials board too late…there’s always next Sunday.

The menu is broad with lots of seasonal and fresh specialties that change daily and from talking to the tables near us, this is a great place for the adventurous palate, you can’t go wrong.

Ask for patio seating on nice days. Especially on weekends, there are umbrellas on every outside table and you are far enough from Pacific to make it pleasant.  Service is not fast but the food is well worth the wait.

Lighthouse Deli/Cafe

(310) 548-3354

The Lighthouse Deli & Cafe in San Pedro nominated a Best of the South Bay Restaurant

Nominated by: